BISHKEK — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders reviewing the expanding India-Russia partnership while also discussing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The meeting, held on August 31, covered a broad range of areas including trade, investment, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

Modi Repeats Call for End to Ukraine War

One of the most significant elements of the meeting was Modi’s message on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Indian prime minister told Putin that continued warfare sets humanity back and stressed that the conflict should move from prolonged fighting toward an end to hostilities. Modi reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving peace and emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

The remarks underline India’s continuing effort to maintain close relations with Moscow while simultaneously advocating a negotiated resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

Energy and Trade Remain Central

Economic cooperation was another major focus of the discussions. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral economic relations, including energy cooperation and investment.

India and Russia have significantly expanded their economic engagement in recent years. During the meeting, both sides also discussed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission, which was held in Moscow on August 24.

Energy remains one of the most important pillars of the relationship. Russia has continued to be a major energy partner for India, while recent disruptions in the Russian fuel market have also created unusual two-way energy flows. Reports indicate that India has emerged as a supplier of gasoline to Russia amid shortages caused partly by attacks on Russian refinery infrastructure.

Focus on Expanding Indian Exports

Indian officials have also emphasized the need to correct the growing imbalance in bilateral trade.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Modi and Putin discussed increasing Indian exports to Russia and addressing issues involving market access and non-tariff barriers.

The two countries are seeking to broaden economic cooperation beyond traditional areas, with discussions involving technology, nuclear energy, connectivity, agriculture, fertilizers and other sectors.

Putin Expected in New Delhi for BRICS Summit

The Bishkek meeting comes shortly before Putin’s expected visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026.

Modi said he looked forward to welcoming the Russian president to New Delhi. Indian officials have described the upcoming summit as another opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation while advancing India’s priorities under its 2026 BRICS chairship.

India Balances Strategic Ties With Peace Diplomacy

The meeting demonstrates the complexity of India’s relationship with Russia amid major geopolitical changes.

New Delhi continues to describe Moscow as an important strategic partner, particularly in defence, energy and technology. At the same time, Modi has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

The latest discussions therefore combined two parallel priorities: protecting India’s long-standing strategic and economic relationship with Russia while encouraging movement toward peace in Ukraine.

As Putin prepares for his upcoming India visit, both countries are expected to continue discussions on trade, energy, defence, investment and other areas of their expanding partnership.